What to think about before setting up in business

Setting up in business is easy, but to begin with you must have an idea and the drive to follow it through. All great businesses start with the simplest ideas, it’s putting that idea into action that make them a success. You may not have the initial start-up capital but this should not be a deterrent as there’s funding available. What you need to set up a business is a plan, and the tenacity to move it forward.

Before dropping everything and running head first into the business, work out your game plan. Begin by jotting your ideas on the back of an envelope; no need for serious business plans initially. Write down your goals and define your vision; what do you want to achieve and how will you get there. What is your mission? Define why your company exists, the need for it and the type of customer it could satisfy.

Articulate your ideas to others, don’t be afraid you’re giving the game away but rather think of it as expanding your knowledge pool. Others may input something you had not thought of, or point out possible weaknesses which you overlooked. Brainstorming with others is the best way to get your idea off the back of the envelope and into action.

Once you have the basic plan written, pause and consider if you really have the mental and physical energy to drive it forward. Being self-employed is exhausting. You may think you’re escaping the drag of a nine to five, but be prepared as you’re stepping into round the clock, non-stop working hours instead.

Running your own business, especially in the startup stage, means never being off; there’s always work to finish. Things will go wrong, customers will be slow to come and you will feel like throwing in the towel and going back to that full time security more often than not. However, by having that solid plan and consistent motivation, you will realise your vision.

Once you have formulated this vision into a well-thought out plan, the next step is to approach the Enterprise Board and other relevant bodies who can assist with advice and funding. In the next post, we will discuss taking this idea to the next level. If you’re in need of advice on how to set up your own business, contact us in The Business Clinic to make an appointment with our executive coach.

The Business Clinic is launching its Lunch & Learn programme with a timely introduction to LinkedIn led by Karen Brown, The LinkedIn Optimiser. LinkedIn is all about your online professional presence, this makes it the top social media channel for job seekers and business to business networking. Your online presence is a key part of your job search process and a critical part of any Career Coaching programme.

Whether you are new to LinkedIn or just need to update your profile and become more active, Karen will take you through the steps in easy bite sized sessions. There is also the opportunity to update your profile picture with a special rate offer from Jason Christopher of JC Photography who will be at The Business Clinic throughout the programme to capture that all important professional portrait.

This Lunch & Learn programme will take place over 3 consecutive Fridays, commencing Friday, 12 June, from 1-2pm sharp.

Friday June 12th Optimise your LinkedIn profile in 3 Easy Steps

Friday June 19th LinkedIn: 3 Essentials for Every Business

Friday June 26th LinkedIn Networking: 3 Secrets You Need to Know

Lunch and training costs just €10, but places are limited so booking is essential.
For further information or to reserve your place call me on: 0433336450 or email: Paula@geraldinestewart.com.

Longford Golf Club was a sea of black and purple on May 4th as Longford ladies enjoyed a fundraising lunch in aid of Good 2 Talk. Good 2 Talk is counselling and psychotherapy support service, which has recently been set up in Longford to tackle the growing issue of suicide and general mental health issues in our community. A non-profit organisation with charitable status, Good 2 Talk ask clients for a contribution of €25 per session, but services are free in crisis situations.

Anyone can call into the centre, which is next door to us her in the Business Clinic, at 2 Keon’s Terrace, Dublin Road. Good 2 Talk is open Monday to Friday from 9:30am—17.30pm. You can drop in or get in touch by calling 043 33 47477.

The Business Clinic hosted an open evening on Monday 2nd March 2015. From 6pm refreshments were served and we gave a tour of our meeting rooms and stylish executive apartments. At 7pm John Finn, managing director of Treasury Solutions Ltd. gave a keynote speech on financial modelling in support of Plan 2020.

Plan 2020 is a series of workshops spread throughout the year which will focus on developing company specific financial models, adding rigour to your scenario planning and decision making process.

The evening was kindly supported by Local Enterprise Office Longford, Longford Chamber, Longford Business Forum and The Longford Leader.

Coaching

The Business Clinic works with individuals, teams and organisations who aspire to perform beyond the possible. Our purpose is to make the complex simple and navigable for our clients by helping them to look at things differently.

Meeting Rooms

The Business Clinic offers a private setting to facilitate your training and meeting requirements. We have different space options with high-specification presentation equipment, including projectors with interactive projector screens and flip charts.

Cathedral View Apartments

Our stylish executive apartments offer the highest level of comfort and flexibility for the business traveller. Each first floor apartment has its own private entrance and is decorated in a warm contemporary style.

News and Events

What to think about before setting up in business Setting up in business is easy, but to begin with you must have an idea and the drive to follow it through. All great businesses start with the simplest ideas, it’s putting that idea into action that make them a success. You may not have the […] Read More...

Affordable Co-Working Spaces for hire at The Business Clinic Working from home is often misconceived as a total dream; who wouldn’t like to sit in this sun all day and enjoy complete freedom. The reality is quite different, with many problems arising. Working from home is a challenge that can now be overcome by hiring inexpensive co-working spaces. […] Read More...

An evening of peer-to-peer learning and advice for Longford new business ideas and start-ups The Business Clinic, Longford is hosting a casual evening of networking and peer-to-peer learning for recent business start-ups and those up to five years in business. The invitation is also extended to those who may have a new business idea, but […] Read More...

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The Business Clinic is located in Longford, the heart of Ireland. The listed building is in the elegant surroundings of Keon’s Terrace, on the Dublin Road, opposite St. Mel’s Cathedral and within 5 minutes of the train station.